Pendle children in pioneering ‘good neighbours’ project

Students from Park Primary and Lomeshaye. (S)

Published:14:45Friday 18 December 2015

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Under the scheme “Good Neighbours Project” funded by the Big Lottery, more than 300 pupils from eight primary schools across Pendle came together as part of a twinning scheme which is creating a new learning environment for pupils from mono-cultural school settings.

The aim of this project is to raise awareness and understanding among young children about different cultures and to provide them with an experience on meeting and engaging with people from different backgrounds.

Students from Lord Street and West Street. (S)

Additionally, it is also about teachers and schools from majority mono-cultural environments making a commitment towards each other and forming positive joint working relationships.

This is the second year where schools from across Nelson, Brierfield and Colne have brought pupils to a week-long series of events held at the ACE Centre in Nelson, where a range of interactive learning took place and the seeds of friendship were sowed.

Pupils learned about celebrations, different calendars across the world and of how people should relate to each other with respect and kindness.

The schools who took part are;

It was great to see some genuine exchanges of friendship between children while learning together

Students from Holy Trinity and Pendle Academy. (S)

In the New Year, pupils from within their twinned school partnerships will visit each other on another two occasions to continue the positive journey of meeting each other and taking part in joint lessons.

It is a process which will increase their learning, friendship and respect for diversity in communities.

Project manager Mr Rauf Bashir said: “This particular strand of our work has developed significantly this year, and next year we envisage participation from 10 primary schools across Pendle. Ultimately, more children learning from important cross-cultural experiences.”

Volunteer Susan Whitehead added: “It was great to see some genuine exchanges of friendship between children while learning together.”

Students of Whitefield and Wheatley Lane. (S)

A pupil from Park Primary School commented: “When I first got there I felt nervous but then I thought it is actually really fun. I made a friend called Alisa – she was really kind, so I sat next to her at lunch.”

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